Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

Eight Hour Day Exhibition opens in Ballarat

Ballarat East MP Geoff Howard opened an exhibition in Ballarat on 27 February marking the 150th anniversary of the gaining of the Eight Hour Day.
“The Eight Hour Day is one of the labour movement's finest achievements, a world first achieved here in Victoria.  150 years on, the issues of balancing work, rest and play are just as relevant.”  Geoff Howard said.
“Securing the Eight Hour Day became a symbol of the rights of workers to organise to achieve their rights not only as workers, but also as citizens in a democratic society.” Mr Howard said.
Ballarat Trades and Labour Council Secretary Graeme Shearer said. “It’s an ideal time to celebrate this achievement, at the very time workers’ rights are under attack by the Howard government.”
Local musician Danny Spooner entertained visitors with songs about the eight hour day.
The travelling exhibition, It’s About Time! 8 Hour Day 1856 – 2006, will tour nine regional centres in 2006, including Ballarat.
“It’s About Time! is an exploration of work that examines the 8 Hour Day movement and compares it to the contemporary world of work,” said Geoff Howard. 
The exhibition features a digital display of footage from a 1918 Eight Hour Day procession and short films produced by workers of today.
Also included in the exhibition is a workers storyboard, which will be added to Museum Victoria’s collection at the conclusion of the tour, in order for it to be retained for Victorians.
Geoff Howard said “I encourage all Ballarat residents to take the opportunity to join the 150th celebrations and get along to the exhibition.”
It’s About Time! will be exhibited at Ballarat Trades Hall, 26 Camp Street, Ballarat from 27th February to 13th March. Opening times are 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday and entry is free.

The exhibition highlights the historical achievement and tells contemporary stories of work.  A digital display features footage from a 1918 Eight Hour Day procession and short films made by workers of today.
Some of the stories told include:
Gia Underwood, who has reduced her hours of work to spend more time with her daughter;
John Croker, his casual work dried up when his boss discovered he’d joined a union;
David Turnbull, who spends time away from his high-pressure academic career building mud brick structures in the country.
The exhibition includes a Worker’s Storybook and visitors are encouraged to add their own stories of working time, as the exhibition travels.
The Worker’s Storybook will be added to Museum Victoria’s collection at the conclusion of the tour, in order for it to be retained for Victorians in perpetuity.
The exhibition is supported by a website, which has resources for Victorian primary and secondary teachers and students, and details of the full Celebrate 888 program of events.

www.8hourday.org.au


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